Police on hunt for creepy ‘criminal clowns’ across England

Reports also were made in Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Florida, Virginia, Maryland.

“Moreover, creating social media pages inciting violence or alluding to creating fear in our community will not be tolerated and will be handled as a criminal matter”.

New Haven, Connecticut banned clown costumes on Halloween after threats to schools. On the heels of the first reported clown sightings in Southern California since 2014 comes two clown arrests.

One school in OH even shut down over security concerns after a woman said she was attacked by a man dressed as a clown.

One popular theory for the reason behind these clown appearances, is the upcoming remake of IT.

It also seems to have taken on a life of its own – with many, undoubtedly younger people, dressing up to give them a picture to upload to social media. Even so, University Police is taking all reports seriously.

Given the growth of the trend and its sustained presence since August, it may be a matter of time before local residents get caught up in the craze. That doesn’t have to happen for a crime to be committed.

A mysterious clown, dubbed “Gags” by local residents, was seen at night, wandering around the city, wearing a soiled-looking jumpsuit with a ruffled collar, and carrying a black balloon.

Creepy clown costumes are often a popular choice at fancy dress parties.

Still, the message from police is that those who feel threatened should not hesitate to call.

We certainly hope people are listening, because this is becoming unsafe.

Mankato Public Commander Craig Frericks says, “If we find a situation where someone is dressed as a clown and running around town there are statutes out there that if you hide your identity you can be charged with it”.

Where did this clown craze start?

September 27: Police in Phoenix say two different fast-food restaurants were robbed by suspects wearing clown masks.

“If they’re not causing offence they can do what they like”, she said.

On Monday, Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, was put under lockdown and students sheltered in place after a report of an armed clown on campus.

Taylor said there are many people who are naturally afraid of clowns and this new creepy clown phenomenon only adds to the stigma good clowns face. Some experts suggest the heavy make-up hides the clown’s facial expression, and humans find it hard to read, which unsettles them.

“Anyone who sees any suspicious activity, or who has been intimated or upset by this behaviour, should call Cheshire police immediately on 101”.

Police said the women were dressed in clown regalia from head to foot and stated they thought it was “funny to terrorize unsuspecting pedestrians”.

“The group was upset and indicated that they wanted to find the clown“, Roberts said.

Not all clowns are terrifying, just some of them.

“We can’t let something like this change our quality of life”, Inglett said. It’s a night when police increase patrols and surveillance, regardless. The boy was able to flee the station and was not injured, they said. Police are keeping an eye on the clown craze situation and will act accordingly. Classes are in session, instruction continues as normal, and we will continue to work collaboratively with law enforcement.

Taylor said she enjoys being a clown. “Go to neighborhoods you trust, where you live or know people”.